15 Kidney-Friendly Protein Foods for Keeping Albumin Up (2024)

Albumin is a protein found in the blood, and is essential in maintaining growth and repairing tissues. A healthy albumin for people with kidney disease is 4.0 g/dL or higher.

You can maintain or improve albumin by knowing how much protein to eat, and by including protein-rich, kidney-friendly foods each day. If you’re not on dialysis and are on a lower-protein kidney diet, at least half your daily protein allowance should come from high-quality protein sources. It’s important to make sure your protein intake comes from high-quality sources, such as these foods:

1. Burgers

Made from turkey or lean beef, both of these protein sources give you iron to help prevent anemia. A 3-ounce cooked burger has 21 grams of good-quality protein.

2. Chicken

Protein from chicken can range from 14 to 28 grams. Use fresh meat products and avoid pre-made roasted chicken and other processed meats, which often contain large amounts of sodium and phosphorus. This excess sodium and phosphorus isn’t good for patients with chronic kidney disease.

3. Cottage cheese

Compared to milk, yogurt and cheese, cottage cheese is lower in potassium and phosphorus. Sodium is still a concern, but it’s easy to create a meal low enough in sodium to include cottage cheese when it’s paired with low-potassium fruits such as berries or peaches.

4. Deviled eggs

Snacking is a great way to sneak in extra protein. One deviled egg contributes 6 grams of protein.

5. Egg omelet

Try the DaVita.com kidney-friendly Denver Omeletrecipe, which has 17 grams of high-quality protein.

6. Egg whites

Egg whitesare a great, easy source of protein. Two egg whites provide 7.2 grams of protein.

7. Fish

Fish, such as salmon, mackerel and rainbow trout, and even shrimp, are great protein choices. A 3-ounce portion of cooked fish has approximately 15-21 grams of protein.

8. Greek yogurt

When eaten as a meat replacement, Greek yogurt may work into your meal plan, with a cup adding 22 grams of protein to your diet. Ask your dietitian for individual recommendations.

9. High-protein smoothie

Smoothies are quick and easy to make. In addition to your favorite fruit, include a low-potassium milk substituteand protein powder or pasteurized egg product.

10. Meat substitutes

Veggie burgers, veggie sausage and veggie crumbles are easy to find meat substitutes. Be sure to watch out for higher sodium, potassium or phosphorus, and check with your dietitian to learn about the best choices.

11. Nutrition drinks

Nepro®, Suplena®, NovaSource Renal®, Nutren Renal® and ReGen® are some kidney-specific nutrition drinks available for dialysis dietsor CKD non-dialysis dietsthat are also good sources of protein. Often these products are used as dietary supplements when a person is unable to eat enough.

12. Pork chops

In addition to high-quality protein, pork chops are a good source of iron and thiamine. A 3-ounce cooked chop provides 20 to 26 grams of protein.

13. Protein bars

Pure Protein®, Premier Nutrition®, Balance Bars®, Zone Perfect®, EAS Myoplex®, ProMax®, PowerBar® and Atkins Advantage® offer several kidney-friendly bars. Look for bars that contain more than 15 grams of protein, below 150 mg phosphorus and less than 200 mg potassium and sodium.

14. Protein powder and liquid protein supplements

Protein powders and liquids provide a concentrated protein source that can be added to foods or beverages. Check with your dietitian before consuming protein powder or liquid protein supplements.

15. Tofu

Tofu, made from soy beans, comes in varying textures, and can be an acceptable protein alternative to meat, poultry and fish. A 1/2 cup of tofu can have 7 to 13 grams of protein.

15 Kidney-Friendly Protein Foods for Keeping Albumin Up (2024)

FAQs

15 Kidney-Friendly Protein Foods for Keeping Albumin Up? ›

Taking vitamins (vitamin D) and eating a well-balanced diet full of protein like lean meats, fish, nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.) and eggs, along with dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) and whole-grain carbohydrates (bread and rice) can increase the amount of albumin your body produces.

What foods increase albumin levels? ›

Taking vitamins (vitamin D) and eating a well-balanced diet full of protein like lean meats, fish, nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.) and eggs, along with dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) and whole-grain carbohydrates (bread and rice) can increase the amount of albumin your body produces.

What is the best protein for damaged kidneys? ›

Fish, poultry, and low–fat or fat–free dairy products are lowest in saturated fat. Plant sources of protein are low in one or more of the essential amino acids. Plant sources of protein include beans, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, seeds and whole grains.

What foods reduce albumin in urine? ›

In conclusion, making some dietary and lifestyle changes, such as opting for low-protein, low-sodium, and low-sugar foods, can help reduce your albumin levels and improve your kidney health.

What vitamins increase albumin? ›

Supplementation with active forms of vitamin D significantly increased serum albumin concentrations in the low-D3 group from 3.61 ± 0.12 to 3.79 ± 0.13 g/dL (P = 0.0067).

Does eating meat increase albumin? ›

Meat and poultry, such as beef, chicken, turkey, and pork, are excellent sources. These foods provide high-quality protein that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Consuming a serving of meat or poultry at least once a day can help to increase albumin levels over time.

What protein drink is good for kidneys? ›

Nepro®, Suplena®, NovaSource Renal®, Nutren Renal® and ReGen® are some kidney-specific nutrition drinks available for dialysis diets or CKD non-dialysis diets that are also good sources of protein. Often these products are used as dietary supplements when a person is unable to eat enough.

How many eggs can a kidney patient eat per day? ›

Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs. Individual protein needs will vary based on overall calories needs, activity level, and kidney function.

What raises albumin levels? ›

Increased blood albumin may be due to: Dehydration. High protein diet. Having a tourniquet on for a long time when giving a blood sample.

What is the best protein for kidney disease? ›

A recent study conducted on low protein diets in nondialysis kidney disease patients suggests 50% protein intake from complete protein sources such as dairy and animal sources and 50% intake from vegetarian sources.

What vitamin deficiency causes low albumin? ›

Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in reduced serum albumin concentrations in patients with end-stage renal disease.

How long does it take to raise albumin level? ›

Albumin is a protein that builds up slowly. It may take 3 or more weeks of eating well to see an effect. Be patient and continue to do your part.

Can egg whites increase albumin? ›

The average serum albumin level at the control period (T8) was 3.56±0.44 g/dL, while after the experiment (feeding including egg white for 8 weeks) was 3.72±0.45 g/dL. The serum albumin levels significantly increased compared to the control and experimental periods (p= 0.042).

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